GBMelBlount
01-07-2014, 09:30 AM
Anyone who has rooted for the Pittsburgh Steelers for any length of time understands how free agency works in Pittsburgh. The Steelers rarely dip their toe into the big-money free-agency pool.
Instead, the Steelers typically opt for keeping their own players, adding in the draft and then as a last resort hit up the free-agent market for leftovers. Not an exciting practice, however effective historically.
2014 could see a change to this. This is a team that has taken on some bloated salaries, and the level of play has not been commensurate to that pay. This means there could be some significant roster turnover for 2014.
Obviously, this is purely hypothetical. The dollars that would be involved in moves like this would involve significant financially wizardry and a paradigm shift by the Pittsburgh front office.
These free-agent moves would address the primary needs of the current Steelers roster and be significant upgrades at their respective positions. Let's look at some free-agent splash moves the Steelers could consider.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1912313-7-big-moves-the-pittsburgh-steelers-could-make-in-2014-nfl-free-agency
1. Hakeem Nics - WR - NYG
2. Jimmy Graham - TE - NO
3. Branden Albert - OT - KC
4. Paul Soliai - DT - Miami
5. Brian Orakpo - OLB - Was
6. Alterraun Verner - CB - TEN
7. Jairus Byrd - S - Buf
Instead, the Steelers typically opt for keeping their own players, adding in the draft and then as a last resort hit up the free-agent market for leftovers. Not an exciting practice, however effective historically.
2014 could see a change to this. This is a team that has taken on some bloated salaries, and the level of play has not been commensurate to that pay. This means there could be some significant roster turnover for 2014.
Obviously, this is purely hypothetical. The dollars that would be involved in moves like this would involve significant financially wizardry and a paradigm shift by the Pittsburgh front office.
These free-agent moves would address the primary needs of the current Steelers roster and be significant upgrades at their respective positions. Let's look at some free-agent splash moves the Steelers could consider.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1912313-7-big-moves-the-pittsburgh-steelers-could-make-in-2014-nfl-free-agency
1. Hakeem Nics - WR - NYG
2. Jimmy Graham - TE - NO
3. Branden Albert - OT - KC
4. Paul Soliai - DT - Miami
5. Brian Orakpo - OLB - Was
6. Alterraun Verner - CB - TEN
7. Jairus Byrd - S - Buf